They either pay out of pocket or they choose not to retire. If they are "Downsized" they are picking it up through Cobra. Health care is a major expense to be calculated into the retirement decision. IT is estimated that a retiree will consume upwards of $250,000 in retirement for medical expense and care. That does not include Long Term care costs which can easily double that number, unless people become impoverished and go on Medicaid. The three biggest enemies of retirement planning are Longevity, Inflation and Medical Expense. So, when you are going to make the choice to retire if you don't have Long Term Care insurance or good medical insurance, set aside between $250,000 and $350,000 for future delivery of health expense. Think it through, as the river of de-nile is deep, cold and unforgiving as you can't go back, so it usually ends in unpleasant surprises.

Pray the Supremes uphold the health care legislation. Not stating for or agin....just saying.

Also, don't count on Medicare in the long run. My proctologist billed Medicare $2,800 for exam and facilities. Medicare paid $500. How long until physicians say "no thanks" to Medicare patients? Not long.

Doesn't help that Medicare is broke(n) and unsustainable. That which is unsustainable (Medicare, SS, et al) will cease to exist in their present form for more than 5 years.

Prepare for long waiting times with a limited number of docs who are low bidders and who are willing to work for everyday wages.

You pay through the nose for less care than you ever got through the company. This applies to self employed people too (I'm not retired yet unfortunately) Health care insurance is by far my biggest expense, and I'm paying all of my Medicare & SS contributions myself instead of 50% at the corporation. I need to raise my rates...

I'm a mere youth ( ), looking to retire in the next three to five years (or more), and I'm personally in pretty good shape with regard to health care, as I am a military retiree. But, it's a real concern for many.

Am I correct in guessing that you don't have any retirement health coverage options through your employer? I know those benefits are few and far between anymore, but if that's an option, it seems that it almost always makes the most financial sense.

"OK"..you retire....GREAT !!!! But,....what about Health Care if your under 65/66?I,myself can go next April (35 yrs of service).

What are "early retirees" doing till they reach Medi Care age??

Pay it yourself is all I can add. We have been for the last 7 years. Each year the premium climbs about 10% for a high deductible 30 bucks a visit plan with Kaiser. At $1016 per month provides discounts on health services like x-rays, tests and such that presumably the uninsured person would actually pays. No eye or dental coverage. So for a bit over 12K per year plus whatever else happens it's basically a catastrophic insurance plan, a choice, so we don't lose it all in one hospital stay and go on welfare.

I'm a mere youth ( ), looking to retire in the next three to five years (or more), and I'm personally in pretty good shape with regard to health care, as I am a military retiree. But, it's a real concern for many.

Am I correct in guessing that you don't have any retirement health coverage options through your employer? I know those benefits are few and far between anymore, but if that's an option, it seems that it almost always makes the most financial sense.

You are correct.And, for many state workers in Florida, classified as OPS, they have no health or retirement benefits.Fortunately that is offset by the low pay.